Disclosures by this newspaper that the Seigneur of Sark is willing to stand down if the Barclay family gain too much influence in that tiny island are an interesting twist in a story that appears to be reaching a climax.

CHIEF Pleas will meet on 2 July for what, after the appropriate part of the new Reform Law is implemented, will in future be termed the Midsummer Meeting and will become the fourth – after Christmas, Easter and Michaelmas – annual statutory meeting of the legislature.